Nicks Big Adventure

After the Fox Glacier fun of getting my fuel pump replaced I needed another adventure. There were things to see and do in Fox so I stayed an extra day. I toured a lake that was tucked into the bush and had nice reflections of the snowy peaks. That road leads to a beach through the bush. It was a great stormy ocean with a rock beach and shore break waves. Needless to say I did not go swimming. Finally, I visited the Fox Glacier itself. For my protection I was not allowed to get too close to the glacier. Even the distance seemed short compared to its massive size. It was a good day, and the best views were from the beach. From there you could see the enormity of the craggy peaks. That night at the hostel I met a large group of students from Miami of Ohio. It was nice to hear some familiar accents and talk sports a bit. The next morning I watched the last half of some finals soccer match between Germany and Chelsea. The TV room was crawling with Germans but in the end Chelsea won by penalty kicks. After the game I was off to Welcome Flats Hut. This is on the Copland track in the Copland Valley. This used to be a very popular alpine crossing area but a rock fall 20 years ago has made the crossing very dangerous. What remains in the Copland Valley is 3 huts. This is another popular stop for all people, locals and tourists. A 7-8 hour hike from the car park to the welcome flats hut is pretty challenging. I try to make it extra fun by going as fast as I can. I made it through the valley in less than 6 hours. To repay my good efforts I got to soak in a natural hot spring! This is the real attraction on the trail. I got in just before sundown, dropped my bag and headed to the hot pools just outside the hut. I did not want to get my other clothes wet so I went in in my underwear. I was a but nervous about my lack of swimwear but it's the bush nobody would care. After a good 5 min soak by myself I was joined by a middle aged woman, she was naked! It was a big pool and a free country so I don't judge. We talked about her kids and the tramps in the area. It was an interesting time to be sure. A nice warm fire and hot dinner helped me sleep like a baby. Most folks who go up there in one day and out the next. I did not, I stayed an extra day to hike the 3 hours to the next hut and back for some exercise and adventure. It was a tougher trail and after almost reaching the hut I decided to turn back to the hot pools and a good book. That night was a new group of folks, most had never been on a hiking trip before. One couple did not even bring cooking stuff because they thought it would be provided. I am thankful that I know better and learned how to do these things a long time ago. My hike out was made even better by adding something I had avoided doing for a while. I listened to music, and it was awesome. Instead of thinking the whole time I could just walk. It was so cold up there that the ground was icy in places even past noon. I got back to my van and it started and ran just fine! Off to Franz Joseph Glacier I went. I stayed at a nice campground two nights and hiked up to that glacier for a good view before clouds blocked the way. This glacier was less impressive, smaller and had bald patches where you could see the underlying rocks. I was done with Glacier Country so north I went. Now I am in Greymouth. It's a cold windy place but a city nonetheless. I plan on staying here over the weekend and seeing the montieths brewery on monday. Im still surviving one day at a time. The cold weather is still taking its toll but that cannot me helped. I hope everyone is enjoying the NHL finals and coming summer. I want to give a big Congratulations to two of my cousins. First, to Patrick Harrel for graduating from Highschool and going to Princeton next year. Also to Cory Chew for getting hitched to the love of his life this weekend. Wish I could be there to celebrate but I am over here. I hope Y'all have a great weekend. Peace Love and Pura Vida,     Nicholas